Set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Learn how to set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If you're switching to a new device

If you're setting up your first iOS device

Turn on your device

Press and hold the device's power button until you see the Apple logo. You'll then see "Hello" in many languages. Follow the steps to get started. If you're blind or have low vision, you can turn on VoiceOver or Zoom from the Hello screen.

When asked, choose your language. Then tap your country or region. This affects how information looks on your device, including date, time, contacts, and more. At this point, you can tap the blue accessibility button to set up Accessibility Options that can optimize your setup experience and the use of your new device.

Get help if your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won't turn on, or if your device is disabled or requires a passcode.

Hello screen with option to select your language

If you have another device, use Quick Start

If you have another device, you can use it to automatically set up your new device with Quick Start. Bring the two devices close together, and then follow the instructions.

If you don't have another device, tap "Set Up Manually" to continue.

Quick Start screen giving options to set up iPhone

Activate your device

Set up Face ID or Touch ID and create a passcode

On some devices, you can set up Face ID or Touch ID. With these features, you can use face recognition or your fingerprint to unlock your device and make purchases. Tap Continue and follow the instructions, or tap "Set Up Later in Settings."

Next, set a six-digit passcode to help protect your data. You need a passcode to use features like Face ID, Touch ID, and Apple Pay. If you'd like a four-digit passcode, custom passcode, or no passcode, tap "Passcode Options."

Screen showing option to set up Face ID and Create a Passcode

Restore or transfer your information and data

Sign in with your Apple ID

Enter your Apple ID and password, or tap "Forgot password or don't have an Apple ID?" From there, you can recover your Apple ID or password, create an Apple ID, or set it up later. If you use more than one Apple ID, tap "Use different Apple IDs for iCloud and iTunes?"

When you sign in with your Apple ID, you might be prompted for a verification code from your previous device.

Screen showing option to sign in with your Apple ID and password

Turn on automatic updates and set up other features

On the next screens, you can decide whether to share information with app developers and allow iOS to update automatically.

Screen showing option to opt into notifications to keep your iPhone up to date

Set up Siri and other services

Next, you'll be asked to set up or enable services and features, like Siri. On some devices, you'll be asked to speak a few phrases so that Siri can get to know your voice.

If you signed in with your Apple ID, follow the steps to set up Apple Pay and iCloud Keychain.

Screen showing option to enable Siri

Set up Screen Time and more display options

Screen Time gives you insight into how much time you and your kids spend on your devices. It also lets you set time limits for daily app use. After you set up Screen Time, you can turn on True Tone if your device supports it, and use Display Zoom to adjust the size of icons and text on your Home screen.

If you have an iPhone X or later, learn more about using gestures to navigate your device. If you have an iPhone with a Home button, you can adjust the click for your Home button.

Screen showing option to enable Screen Time

Finish up

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